A-Smocking We Shall Go

Here is a progress photo of the smocking on Little Miss Sunshine. The first row is cable and alternating cable. The second row is wave. Of course, I have taken out the first row and changed the color. Funny how I always do that, isn't it?

At first I had a paler pink for the alternating cable, but after working the waves the pale pink wasn't showing up. So out it came, and in went dark pink. I'm happy now.





We are now three weeks post-tornado, and I am still going through the mail. This pattern is one I fought dearly for on e-bay even though it doesn't fit any of my princesses. I adore the eight gore princess seaming on this one, and the flare of the skirt is to die for. My problem? I really, really want this one in a size 1. If you've seen it (or one similar) anywhere, please tell me where! Otherwise, I may find myself trying to redraft this. Lots of work, there.

The more I look at this, the more I like it. Hmmmm......since I have a size 1 bodice, I could use that and shorten it a bit......fold out the excess in equal amounts in all the gored skirt pieces so it would fit the bodice.....adjust the armhole......shorten the length......respace the buttonholes.....This is doable. Without too much effort. Sunday afternoon, maybe? We'll see.

Here's the back.

Nice possibilities with this pattern. You could pipe all the seams. You could make just the jumper (the blouse is separate) for the hot summer. You could put the sleeves on the jumper and forget the blouse entirely. I really like the button closing in the back, and of course, I would use the sash. And the buttoned cuffs on the sleeves. Oh my!

Meet Bluebonnet. Isn't she lovely? The background is the color of a Spring afternoon.

She brought a lot of friends home with her from the fabric store.

What would you do with her?